A teacher asked me if I knew how to make a tote bag. So I went home and made this tote as a demo (for size etc.)
Well she loved the size, the pockets, she would like me to make three for her daughters.
Now using fabric from my stash, how much should I charge?
I have know idea, we are in Canada if that makes a difference :)
Designs from Ace points
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24276Great job! As for price...are you doing it just for the fun of doing it, or for both fun & profit!? As others have said, I'd list the costs of supplies & go from there! I am usually up front with people & tell them the cost & then the asking price. Sometimes they want it, sometimes they don't. I use the cost if I have to replace it...not the cost of finding it on sale!
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35675Outstanding bag.. What ever amount you decide remember on remember it may have been in your stash, but it will have to be replaced eventually. I also agree get a deposit from her tell her it is for supplies that way you know she is serious about the bags..
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86901Well, I'm going to try making a comment...again! When I hit the "submit" I've been getting an "error" page. Anyway, I live in southern BC (Oliver) and bags seem to sell quite well around here. Many in our quilt guild make bags and sell them at our community Fall Craft Fair. I was in our quilt shop a few days ago and noticed 2 bags: $40 and $90. Now, there are things to consider when you do your pricing...are there any interior pockets? do they have zipper closures? how much time did you spend making your bag? I know that because I love to sew folk just seem to think they'll get a freebie! Don't ever sell yourself short...we all know we don't get what our project is worth but consider the yardage price and any trim that you use...it all adds up, and if you're like many of us, each bag is one-of-a-kind so that in itself makes it unique. I love your colours...just a reminder that Spring is in the air. All the best and be blessed as you put your creativity into what you make.
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446Beautiful bag. Can't help with the pricing as I know things in Canada cost more than other places. Could I suggest you work out how much fabric is needed and what all your supplies cost ( all the little extra bits) and give her 2 choices 1st the price you are happy with complete and the 2nd the one where she buys the fabric and you supply labour and the extra's.
I am guessing she will go with your price as most non sewers have no idea how much fabric costs. Here in Australia I can buy a metre (39 inches) from $6 to $28 a metre depending on the quality.
So guessing at least a metre all up is used $30 might just cover costs. No extra pocket money for you.
Even though you plan on using your stash you still had to buy it in the first place.
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by killiecrankie
14 Mar 2015
Good advice & remember that the new fabrics will cost more than the ones from your stash.
29726Because we make hand made stuff people think they can get it cheap or free, don't sell your self short like the last comment said, stick to a price if don't like it tough, Well done with those bags , it costs me about $15 of the material and stuffing for good canvice, Just because you had the stash , you still payed for the stuff , I think good price $40-$60 Canadian, I don't charge for mine as I make them for presents, I got caught once never again . L SHERENE X
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by loosie
15 Mar 2015
Thanks :)
I always make gifts too, this is the first time someone asked me to make something for their family.
5822Beautiful work. I have been out today and in a craft shop saw some bags with a small applique on and they were selling from £35 - £40 which by my calculations is up to $60 for Canada. Don't sell yourself short, good luck and keep us updated
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by asterixsew
14 Mar 2015
Your asking for comments on costing's remained me of someone who wanted their collection of teddy bears dressed in Civil War costumes. This was 20 or more so years ago and they more or less expected me to do the job for nothing. I very politely decline
by loosie
15 Mar 2015
I hear you, I'm going to give her a price and she how she accepts it first, thanks for your time :)
1157432872I would have no problem starting at $40.00. You do beautiful work.
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51302I love your bag!I totally agree with "pldc". Things are much more expensive here in Canada. Where in southern B.C. do you live? We live in the south east near the Rockies. Let us know how things go with the bags.
Hugs, Nadyne
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by gdsteliga
15 Mar 2015
Lived in Balfour now in Ontario. Hubby grew up in Trail his family is from Fernie. Miss it terribly.
24424Hi Loosie I think that you did a terrific job on your bag. Depending on your batting I would charge $40 each & because she is buying 3 tell her you will give her a discount & charge her $35 each instead. This is not outrageous in Canada the cost of materials is considerably higher plus in Ontario we have 13% taxes on most everything so I am guessing your material would be @ least half of that. Hope that this helps & I agree 100% tell her the price first & then ask for a 50% deposit so you can get the materials required to make them. Even if you use the fabric in your stash. ~hugs~
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299559Beautiful job...not surprised she wants three! Tally up your expenses and labor and just because the fabric is from your stash doesn't matter...you had to buy it! Also, start high...you can always come down if your customer thinks it is "too expensive"....and not to forget she is getting a custom bag...and if you decide on a price...get at least a 50% deposit on the bags...
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31841511566Delightful tote bag sure to please the recipient!!
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261163111373You know i have never made one either:(:(Carolyn from Canada .Where do you live i forget??Me in Northern,Ontario
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1457914178123577Love the Bag ..Well done great work you have done with it!!!!
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66017I love it great job!!! Charge like pennifold had said love that idea.
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72397That's a beautiful bag! Sorry I can't help you with pricing.
Hugs, Lidia
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78118Best to ask her how much she is willing to pay! Then go from there.
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333503342Beautiful bag. No wonder she wants 3. I have no idea on how much to charge. Hugs
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54619Excellent very nice and beautiful. Great work loved the choice of the fabric
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7045Stunning job on the bag Loosie. Trev and I were talking about how much it cost me to make mine, but of course I've got that Bosal stuff in it and that adds quite a bit. He reckons I should charge at least $50.00. As others have said, you need to break down costs, work out how much fabric/metreage etc.you use, the wadding, the ribbon etc. your time and cost of power using the machine - and don't be scared to charge a decent fee. Try asking for $25.00 a bag and see what she says! If she balks at that try and come to some sort of agreement. Hope you can work it all out. Love Chris
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234485Beautiful job on the bags!. Disregard that the fabric came from your stash. You'd have paid for it at some time, anyway! No wonder she was so pleased. I also have difficulties with asking for a decent price, so often take payment in kind -i.e. sewing supplies etc. Maybe that would also work for you.
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2316311867I love these. great job, I was told once that if you add the price of the items that you have used, then double it. Although the material is coming from your stash, you would have an idea of the cost per meter/yard and how much you used on each bag, then don't forget how much to estimate for the cottons, wadding if used, also an estimate for the cost of the design used, add that all together and then double it.
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2435Well done. Carolyn is going to want this one. Where in Canada do you live? I am in BC.
As for how much to charge, this is something I have a problem with, as well. . You never truly get the amount that they are worth.
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